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South Hinsdale Response to Objections <br /> 12 July 2022 <br /> For example, the 2021 USFS project repairing 16 miles of Piedra Road in the two counties <br /> required 50,000 tons of gravel, about 2,500 truckloads, to be hauled from the Lob Lolly Pit <br /> in a three-month period during a peak tourist season, not just in the South End and <br /> northern Archuleta County, but on SH-151 and SH-160 from Lake Capote through the <br /> entire Pagosa Lakes and Pagosa West area. <br /> See also Section 5.3.6. below, which discusses the traffic study which supports these <br /> conclusions. See also Section 5.3.7 for discussion of roadways used, buses, and other <br /> concerns. <br /> Safety for the traveling public and for truckers and commuters is very important to the <br /> operators, and is part of MSHA enforcement activities, as well as that of County and State <br /> officers. Several commenters expressed concern about "trucks 'flying up and down' road" <br /> and vehicles being trapped or squeezed in narrow roads and curves. All drivers of <br /> commercial gravel-hauling trucks are required to have Commercial Drivers Licenses <br /> (CDL) and contracts emphasize safety, including speed limits and controls. Loads must <br /> be tarped and air brakes used only when and where allowed. Failure to do these things <br /> will result in dismissal, including termination of contracts. <br /> School buses: According to coordination with school bus companies and drivers done in <br /> 2021, there are actually very few locations actually on Piedra Road which are school bus <br /> stops. Most are on side streets. While there are going to be times that both school buses <br /> and gravel haul trucks are on the road at the same time, this is no different than having <br /> logging trucks, cattle trucks, large RVs and vehicles with trailers, and other commercial <br /> vehicles on the road together. CDL drivers are very aware of the critical importance of <br /> protecting our children (which are sometimes their children) when going to and from <br /> school. <br /> Road Maintenance and Repair <br /> Damage due to use by trucks is an ongoing concern. Overall, the impact of haul trucks <br /> (which is significant)on gravel and paved roads will be significantly offset by the reduction <br /> in cost of road maintenance to the County governments. By having construction materials <br /> available both to maintain and improve roads much closer, thus reducing haul costs and <br /> allowing both Hinsdale and Archuleta Counties and the USFS to all maintain more roads <br /> more frequently, stretching limited funds as discussed below. <br /> The only time that Hinsdale County roads will be impacted by haul truck traffic from the <br /> site is when material is being delivered to Hinsdale County and businesses and residents <br /> of the Coin Piedra Road between the site and Archuleta County is a USFS Road. <br /> A critical part of maintaining safety on the gravel roads is more frequent and better <br /> maintenance and repair, and gravel is essential to such maintenance. <br /> Road Funding <br /> As with private automobiles, diesel fuel used in haul trucks includes state and federal <br /> excise taxes on the fuel, which is used to construct, maintain, and repair roads. As a <br /> primary public road, Piedra Road does receive federal highway funds and state highway <br /> funds. As a USFS road, additional costs are paid by the US Forest Service to the Counties <br /> to maintain the road. <br /> In addition, as haul from the South Hinsdale Pit is a commercial activity which requires a <br /> USFS road use permit, additional fees are paid by the truckers and mine operator to the <br /> USFS to maintain the road, taking into account the increased impact of the haul trucks <br /> 5182-22-003 WAST£LIN£, INC. Page 69 of 107 <br />